Health minister Alex Neil is to give a statement to parliament which will “address the issues” raised by a campaign for dementia sufferers founded by the familyof Dundee United legend Frank Kopel.
Frank’s wife, Amanda, has long fought for free care to be offered to those with early onset dementia who are under 65.
The 64-year-old, who lifted the league cup twice during 10 years at Tannadice, was diagnosed with vascular dementia aged 59 and the couple were forced to leave their jobs and came to rely on council care services costing around £400 a month, despite only receiving just over £4 a day in state benefits.
After a meeting with Mrs Kopel, Mr Neil appeared to hand her campaign a victory and said he may close the “loophole” that denies younger dementia sufferers free care.
In a letter to the convener of the Public Petitions Committee, Mr Neil said he will deliver a statement on a government-ordered review of care “later this month”.
He added: “I will also address the issues raised by Mrs Kopel’s petition around free personal care for under-65s, including those with dementia.”
Mrs Kopel said: “I have to wait and see what he’s going to say in his statement but he was very sympathetic when we met.
“People should never have to beg and plead for free care. It should be offered at the point of diagnosis, regardless of age.”
Amanda and Frank also met shadow cabinet secretary for health Neil Findlay and Scottish Labour colleague Jenny Marra on Friday to discuss their campaign.